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10 best solar companies in Pacifica, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Pacifica. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Pacifica, California, requires hiring a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve compiled a list of the best solar installers in Pacifica.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and collect multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Pacifica or use a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows Pacifica homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Various solar companies offer different products. Make sure to review each company and get quotes from all before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Pacifica
Look for Pacifica solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for frequent bad reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolarUnion
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Owens Electric & Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
CivicSolar, Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Semper Solaris
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
GRID Alternatives
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
Pac Solar Corporation
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Informative resources
Complete Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Bill Review
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Save a Lot Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Got Watts?
Earthwise Energy
High Definition Solar
Your Energy Solutions
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Pacifica?
Pacifica and the surrounding areas have plenty of sunshine, which makes it possible for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Major reasons to start using solar power include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar energy enables you to reduce your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
Facts about Pacifica
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pacifica?
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the median cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost rises if you pick any extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
According to statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the average expense to install solar panels in Pacifica is $7,454.
How much can you save by going solar in Pacifica?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
Money savings in Pacifica from going solar
In Pacifica, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Pacifica's average payback period for solar is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Pacifica: On average, Pacifica homeowners can save $1,053 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $20,467 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Pacifica from going solar
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Pacifica?
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Pacifica. Various programs cover all California residents, while others depend on your utility company, city and municipality.
Per the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives available for California residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product. Minimum financing: $5,000 The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front. Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels): Single Family Residential Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted Commercial/Multifamily Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Pacifica solar installer?
Take time to reflect on these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't large enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the required permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get similar levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, precipitation levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors not only affect the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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